Phi Phi and Bamboo Islands by Private Yacht from Phuket

What are the Phi Phi Islands like?

An archipelago of six islands about 48 km east of Phuket. The main one, Phi Phi Don, is inhabited; the rest are rocks rising almost vertically from the water. It is the best-known destination in the Andaman Sea and the one where an early start pays off most: the tour boats and ferries arrive between ten and eleven. Boats, guest caps and prices for the day are in private yacht charter from Phuket to Phi Phi.

Bamboo Island lies north-east of the main group and is built differently: low, sandy, with shallow water off the beach.

Bamboo Island: a hidden paradise near Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi, also known as Bamboo Island, is the most enchanting jewel of the Phi Phi archipelago. Located about 5 km from the northern tip of the island, this tropical paradise is considered the perfect getaway from the bustling crowds of tourists. Travelers come here, but do not stay long, because of this place seems deserted, almost uninhabited.

Its size (600 meters wide and 700 meters long) allows you to walk around Bamboo Island in a couple of hours. It is heart-shaped and covered with a fringe of pure white sand. The central part of the island is drenched in colorful vegetation: there are many casuarinas and bamboo trees. In their shade on the northeast side of the island there is a cozy bar with refreshing drinks and snacks.

Bamboo Island in the Phi Phi archipelago is a famous landmark, listed as one of the “5 best islands around Phi Phi” and “10 best snorkeling spots in Phi Phi”.

Benefits of the location:

• Excellent snorkeling. Bambu Island offers exceptional snorkeling opportunities. Between Phi Phi Don and Bambu islands is the famous Hin Klang coral reef. Swimming here, you can feel yourself in a real aquarium. Closer to the beach there are a lot of coral reefs – the line extends 500 meters from the shore.
• Easy access. To get to Bambu Island, you can rent a longtail boat at Tonsai Village or at the sea gypsy village on Laem Thong Beach. The trip takes about 40 minutes from Tonsai and only 15 minutes from Laem Thong Beach. From Koh Phi Phi Don or Phuket, you can travel by comfortable yacht.
•  Clean beach. It is not only clean, but also spacious. There are no sunbeds here, but there is an opportunity to rent a special bedding. Rest, as close as possible to merging with nature.

Important! Bamboo Island is part of the national park, so the entrance to it is paid.

Bamboo Island beckons with its nature, the pristine beauty of the underwater world. This place is a must-see for tourists planning a relaxing vacation and underwater adventures in the archipelago of Phi Phi.

Day by private yacht: Phuket to Phi Phi and Bamboo island and back

A day trip on a luxury yacht to the islands is a serene and revitalizing vacation, the perfect contrast to the thrill of exploring Phuket. This trip epitomizes a luxurious vacation on a paradise island: a short trip allows you to enjoy the beauty of the island from a distance. By including this tour in your itinerary, you can further immerse yourself in the captivating atmosphere of Thailand.

Why choose our yacht tour:

• Personalized approach. We are attentive to your preferences and will gladly accept your suggestions regarding your leisure time on the yacht.
• Luxurious conditions. Our yacht has spacious, spotlessly clean cabins and modern common areas designed for your comfort and enjoyment.
• A close-knit crew. Our well-trained and attentive staff is dedicated to providing you with exceptional care and attention, ensuring all your needs are met.
• Highest level of safety. Your safety is of the utmost importance to us. Our crew is made up of experienced professionals you can rely on: you will feel confident and protected throughout your journey.

Start planning your private yacht tour to Phi Phi and Bamboo island today. Contact us now to reserve your spot and embark on an unforgettable adventure that will leave you with the fondest memories.

How far are Phi Phi and Bamboo Islands from Phuket?

In a straight line it is about 48 km (26 nautical miles) from Chalong Pier to the Phi Phi Islands. This is an approximate straight-line distance, not an exact navigational figure — the actual route on the water is always somewhat longer.

For a motor yacht, a crossing of this length typically takes about 1–2 hours, depending on the yacht, the weather and the state of the sea. The departure pier is also chosen to suit the route and the vessel, so we confirm the exact timing and departure point when planning your trip.

Ferry, group speedboat tour or a private boat — every way of getting here is compared in Phuket to Phi Phi.

When planning a longer day on the water, this trip is often combined with Koh Poda or Railay Beach.

Where does this route depart from? Chalong Pier and the island's marinas are compared in where yachts depart from in Phuket.

How long does the trip take on different boats?

Phi Phi is about 48 km from Chalong Pier and about 54 km from Ao Po Grand Marina, and that distance sits differently on different hulls.

How long does the trip take on different boats?

Boat	Cruising speed	One way
Speedboat	25–35 knots	~1 h
Motor yacht	9–28 knots	1.5–2 h
Power catamaran	8–18 knots	~2 h
Sailing catamaran	5–7 knots	~5 h

Times are calculated and run a little longer in practice: the captain eases off in swell and close to shore.

What is there to do at Phi Phi?

A standard day on a private boat is three or four stops: one under the cliffs of the main island, one at Bamboo, one in a quiet bay for lunch. Snorkelling at Bamboo is easier — the water there is shallower and calmer.

The difference between a private boat and a tour is more noticeable here than at any other destination. A tour takes you where everyone else goes, at the same time. A private boat lets you arrive by nine and leave the popular anchorage exactly when the first tour boat pulls in.

How a day at Phi Phi actually goes

How a day at Phi Phi actually goes

Time	Full day
08:00	depart
09:45	first stop, the bay is empty
11:00	move to the second anchorage
12:30	lunch on board at anchor
14:00	third stop or back to the first
15:00	head back
17:00	alongside

The schedule is yours to move: a private charter has no timetable to hold to. But the eight o'clock departure is worth keeping — the tour boats reach the popular anchorages between ten and eleven, and the first hour and a half decides what kind of day it becomes.

This destination is not taken as a half day: after the crossing each way there would be an hour and a half left on the island itself.

When is the best time to go, and when is it not?

From November to April the Andaman side has calm water and predictable visibility — this is the main season. From May to October the south-west monsoon brings wind and swell in bands rather than continuously: there are calm weeks in July and rough days in December.

In practice, in low season the route is chosen on the morning, not a week ahead. The captain reads the forecast and takes the side of the island that is in the lee. Trips are almost never cancelled — they change shape. If the weather genuinely does not allow a safe departure, it is discussed case by case.

Phi Phi lies in open water, with less shelter from the wind than in Phang Nga Bay. On a windy day the captain is more likely to suggest a substitute — worth accepting: in murky water the point of the trip is lost.

Recommended yachts for a Phi Phi & Bamboo Island charter

These yachts from our fleet are well suited for a day charter to Phi Phi and Bamboo Island:

• Technema 89 “Say Yes” — our flagship yacht.
• Beluga 88 — another yacht from the Horizon Cruises Phuket fleet.

See our full yacht fleet or contact us to request a tailored quote.

What does a trip to Phi Phi cost?

The price is per boat per day, not per person: from ฿18,900 for a speedboat for 4–12 guests, from ฿20,900 for a sailing catamaran for 8–120, from ฿33,900 for a motor yacht for 6–80, from ฿39,115 for a power catamaran, from ฿100,000 for a luxury yacht. The group shares one sum.

Fuel for the distance — about 96 km there and back — is added to the rate, plus fees where the route incurs them. Season moves the base rate by roughly a quarter: low season May to October, high season November to April, peak from 20 December. Full tables are on the yacht charter prices page.

What to bring

A hat, sunglasses, high-factor sunscreen and a light long-sleeved shirt for the middle of the day — it protects better than any amount of cream. Swimwear worn under your clothes saves the changing routine. Cash in baht for fees, if the route incurs them. A dry bag if you take a phone into the water.

Towels, masks and fins, water, soft drinks, ice and life jackets in adult and child sizes are already on board. On full-day trips most boats include lunch.

Phi Phi or Racha — which should you choose?

Phi Phi is farther (48 against 26 km) and more famous, with the limestone scenery. Racha is nearer and quieter, and the water at Racha Noi is clearer. If you have one day and want the iconic picture — Phi Phi; if you want no crowds — Racha. The Racha Islands in detail.

Where do boats to Phi Phi depart from?

Phi Phi is almost equally far from both sides of Phuket: about 48 km from Chalong Pier and about 54 km from Ao Po Grand Marina, so the departure point is decided by where the particular boat is berthed. It is confirmed at booking together with a map pin and the time. All Phuket marinas.

Other destinations nearby

• Racha Islands — about 26 km, nearer and quieter
• Koh Ha and Koh Rok — about 106 km, two days
• Coral Island — about 11 km, the shortest trip

Frequently asked questions

How far is Phi Phi from Phuket?

About 48 km from Chalong Pier and about 54 km from Ao Po Grand Marina: 1.5–2 hours on a motor yacht, about an hour and a half by speedboat, about five hours under sail.

Can Phi Phi be done in half a day?

No. After the crossing each way there would be an hour and a half left on the islands. Phi Phi is a full day with an eight o'clock departure.

How is Bamboo Island different from Phi Phi Don?

Phi Phi Don is the main inhabited island of the group, with the cliffs. Bamboo is a low sandy island to the north-east with shallow, calm water where snorkelling is easier.

When are there the fewest people at Phi Phi?

Before ten in the morning: the tour boats and ferries arrive between ten and eleven. A private boat leaving at eight arrives by nine and leaves the popular anchorage as the first tour boat pulls in.